Restoration Local Offers Safety Tips For Water Damage Clean Up

The first order of business in water restoration is safety. A restoration provider explains the protocols that are required following any sort of water or flood damage.

Cleveland OH (PRWEB) July 27, 2013

Restoration Local, one of the leading providers of water damage repair and restoration services in the United States, is offering tips to property owners on proper safety protocols to be followed in the wake of water or flood damage to homes or businesses. Most flood related injuries and fatalities occur after the actual flooding event, and most could have been easily prevented.

Firstly, it should be determined if the property is structurally sound or not. Water is incredibly strong, and can shift a structure on its foundation, making it prone to collapse. Walls can be weakened and break down, which can have serious consequences if it is a load bearing wall. If the flooding occurred upstairs, then downstairs ceilings may sag under the weight of water. Rooms with sagging ceilings should be avoided since a ceiling collapse could result in serious injury or even death.

All utilities should be shut off at the source, since leaking gas can overcome those working in the area, and electricity sets the stage for serious electrical shock. These utilities should be shut off at their source, and only turned on again by qualified professionals once the property has been deemed safe.

Water should also be shut off, and only bottled water used until the water supply has been determined to no longer be contaminated.

Use proper protection when working in and around flood waters, such as long sleeves and pants, steel toed work boot, heavy duty gloves, and wraparound eye protection. In some case, breathing apparatus may be required, especially in cases where mold or other toxins are present.

Be on the lookout for any stray animals that may be in the home, since wildlife commonly seeks refuge during severe weather and especially in cases of flooding. Animal control should be called to deal with any problem animals.

Based in Clevelan OH, Restoration Local is one of the leading providers of water damage repair and restoration in the US, with contractors in 30 states. They are available 24/7 and all work is guaranteed.